IFB 25-E0032 Water Sampling Services

The contract seeks qualified contractors to collect high-volume, contamination-controlled tap water samples from nine designated state-owned facilities across California to support the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in fulfilling requirements under Senate Bill 1147 (2024), which mandates a human health assessment of microplastics in drinking water. Bidders must demonstrate at least three years of specific experience in microplastics analysis, along with a minimum of two years each in quality assurance and quality control for contamination control, implementation of standard operating procedures and quality assurance project plans, and maintenance of chain-of-custody records. Submission of a complete, single PDF proposal is mandatory, including certifications, qualification documentation, cost worksheets, evidence of a HEPA-filtered clean workspace, and recent air and laboratory blank data—all of which must demonstrate strict protocols to prevent sample contamination. The solicitation uses a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation method, meaning bids must meet all minimum qualifications to be considered, with award going to the lowest responsive and responsible offer after applicable small business and disabled veteran business enterprise preferences are applied. All samples must be collected, preserved, and shipped in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board procedure SWB-MP2-Rev1, using pre-cleaned, triple-rinsed glass containers fitted with non-plastic lids, kept at 4±2°C, protected from light, and transferred to the designated OEHHA laboratory within ten calendar days of collection. Chain-of-custody documentation must be meticulously maintained for each sample with complete labeling including unique IDs, collection times, personnel transfers, and environmental conditions. Payment is to be made monthly in arrears via email to [email hidden], with invoices requiring company letterhead and full service descriptions. The contract has a maximum value of $52,000 including a fixed $2,000 allowance for unanticipated tasks, with no cost increases permitted during performance. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and name the State as an additional insured. Travel and per diem reimbursements are prohibited, and all contract terms are non-negotiable; submission of alternate language or failure to disclose use of generative AI in deliverables will result in disqualification. The work must be completed by January 31, 2027, and the contract is subject to termination if state appropriations are not approved, with no liability to the State under the budget contingency clause.